She is the Woman With The Eight Stone Legs with Lipedema

Lipedema Surgery

By Emel Gerdaneri • Medical review by Yener Demirtas, MD

She is the Woman Afflicted by Lipodema, Known for Her Legs Weighing Eight Stones

Vicki Hull lives in England. She is 3 sizes larger from the waist down the top. She lives with lipedema.

Lipoma is a kind of painful disorder causing fatty tissue to accumulate around her lower body.

Her thighs have now ballooned to 30 inches (76cm) and she has 22inch (56cm) calves.
Yener Demirtas, MDThis situaution is hard to her because of making life a misery. She must wear size 20 trousers - three sizes bigger than her torso.

Vicki says her legs started to widen at the age of 11. She states that although she went to the doctor almost 20 times, the doctors said she should constantly lose weight.

Managing Lipedema: A Patient's Perspective

lipedemaLiving with lipedema, a chronic condition affecting mainly women, has been a journey filled with challenges and learnings. Initially, I didn't realize the significance of the disease as its symptoms were subtle in the early stages. However, as the disease progressed, it started affecting my quality of life.

Lipedema is a chronic condition that involves an abnormal stock of fat tissue, primarily in the lower body. This situation is often mistaken for simple weight gain, but the truth is that it is more complex.

Conservative treatments like diet and exercise didn't yield the expected results. The fat cells in affected areas behave differently.

The diagnosis was crucial in understanding my condition. Women with lipedema often experience similar symptoms, including swelling, tenderness, and an increased risk of secondary lymphedema. I learned that managing this condition involves more than just trying to lose weight through traditional methods.

My treatment plan involved a combination of approaches. Compression garments, such as compression stockings, became a daily necessity.

They've been incredibly helpful in reducing swelling and discomfort, supporting the lymphatic system in its function. Aiding in managing the weight gain associated with lipedema.

The mental health aspect of dealing with this condition is hard. Living with a chronic condition brings emotional challenges. Seeking support from healthcare professionals who understand the complexities of lipedema has been crucial for me. They've provided guidance, education, and support, which has significantly impacted my mental well-being.

The journey hasn't been easy, but with the right resources and support, I've managed to maintain a positive outlook. Learning to adapt to a long-term condition like lipedema requires patience and perseverance.

To anyone facing similar challenges, I urge you not to lose hope. While lipedema poses its difficulties, there are treatments and strategies available that can improve your quality of life.

Consulting with healthcare professionals specializing in the treatment of lipedema and exploring various conservative measures like compression therapy can make a significant difference.

Managing lipedema involves a holistic approach. Not just about the physical symptoms but also about mental health and well-being. This situation makes it possible to navigate life with lipedema more comfortably.

I use compression garments, understand the complexities of the lymphatic system, and explore tailored treatments. Remember, each journey is unique, and finding what works best for you is key to living well in this condition.


Written on 20/06/2017

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Last Update: 19/12/2023

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